Now the Residence of the President of Ireland, Áras an Uachtaráin, started as a modest brick house for the Phoenix Park Chief Ranger in 1751. It was subsequently acquired as an “occasional residence” for the Lords Lieutenants and gradually evolved to a large mansion. After Ireland gained independence, it was occupied by three Governors General between 1922 and 1937, prior to the first president Dr Douglas Hyde taking up residence there.

19th century architects Francis Johnston, Jacob Owen and Decimus Burton, and more recently, Raymond McGrath, as well as stuccodores Michael Stapleton and Bartholomew Cramillion, contributed to its gradual expansion, gardens and interiors. The Irish architect James Hoban may have used the garden front portico of Áras an Uachtaráin as the model for the façade of the White House.

Opening Hours:
Guided tours take place almost every Saturday all year round.
Tickets are free of charge, issued on a first-come-first-served basis, from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre from 9.30am. Advanced or group booking is not possible. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Guided tours of the House are offered on Saturdays at the following times:
Jan – Dec: 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm
Guided tours of the Gardens only run from June until October.
Closed 24-26 December.

*Contact the Visitor Centre first to confirm that tours are taking place, as access can be restricted at times due to official State engagements.
Visitors must bring photographic identification on the day of the visit.

Contact & Pricing:
president.ie
phoenixparkvisitorcentre@opw.ie
Tel: 01 677 0095
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8
Admission free